On Track with the Right Mix

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) released a smart phone application, 'ON TRACK with The Right Mix' to assist current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to track their alcohol consumption habits.

The ‘ON TRACK with The Right Mix’ app encourages users to think about the impact of drinking on their lifestyle, wellbeing, fitness and the people around them. It also provides information on standard drinks, how much exercise is needed to burn off alcohol calories and, when a personal profile is added including gender, height and weight, gives a wellbeing score as the user continues to record their drinking. It is a self-help tool, and particularly useful as a brief intervention resource. The app also provides links to professional help and other information.

The app is based on Department of Veterans’ Affairs The Right Mix alcohol management websitewhich is designed to help users choose safer drinking habits and a healthier lifestyle. The app was developed in consultation with ADF members and the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS). It can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) or from The Right Mix alcohol management website.

There are several support services that current ADF members can approach about their own drinking habits, including the local ADF medical centre, regional alcohol, tobacco and other drugs coordinators, ADF psychology services, chaplains, the Defence Community Organisation, the Australian Drug Foundation and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.